Civil Government

Civil government should recognize the sovereignty of other God-ordained institutions (Church, Family) because civil government is necessary and divinely ordained by God (Rom. 13:1–7). We are called to render service and obedience as to submit to civil authority (1 Pet. 2:13–17 ; Matt. 22:21). Even though the Government is God-ordained but human (sinners). Government is not the problem. Its PEOPLE. I do believe very much in being a responsible Christian citizen. As good testimony to outsiders, Christians can work with non-Christians (& government) in attempting to promote justice and civic peace because it is good for all people, not just Christians (Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Whoever is against the Government, is against God. When it comes to marriage, we are required by God to submit to the Government authorities to have a marriage certified, recognized or licensed so that couples don't end up getting together and then breaking up without accountability. Accountability is the issue when it comes to marriage.

When to disobey Church and Government Authorities?

Church: The only authority any pastor or elder has is the Word of God. When you step beyond the Word of God, you’ve overstepped the bounds of your authority. God reveals Himself primarily through the pages of Scripture; that is why I believe the Bible as my absolute authority. 1 Peter 4:11 instructs me to handle biblical truth: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God." If the Bible is true, then it is also authoritative. As divinely revealed truth, it carries the full weight of God's own authority.

Government: On example is in Acts 5, Peter responded to Sanhedrin, the high priest that "We must obey God rather than men!" The only time Christians can violate God's government is when a Christian is asked to disobey God. You can read many Bible characters including Daniel disobey the Government out of principle rather than simple disobience.

I am seeing various denominations' relationship with the Government. Some embraces the Government (prefering Government and Church united), Others rebels against the Government (they believer sinners should not hold government positions and the government are NO LONGER "ordained" by God").

There is NOTHING in the Bible that we can get around the Government in our lives except "disobience" against His Ordained Governments.

In the United States, we are in a "democratic country" which means the Government will follow what the people want. United States are NOT a "Theocracy Government". How many countries today have "Theocracy" type of Government? Theocracy is a form of government in which a religion and the government are allied. America was created with the influence of Christian people as well as non-christians. The world who are without Christ also have their own views. More often than not, the secular world view is in conflict with the bible. To Christians, this should NOT be a surprise. To the world who are without Christ, this conflict is not a surprise either. My question is this, regardless whether the Government is godless or not, are we denying that one form of Government is NOT ordained by God even though the Bible said "ALL Governments"?